COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on February 19, drew 48 competing 4-H members from across the state.
Working in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program, contestants were provided the opportunity to develop and hone their judging skills, and explore future career and educational opportunities.
Youth involved with the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, and success as life-long consumers. 98% of participants feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others. A majority (75%) shared their involvement in this project area and contest has encouraged them to continue their education in a related field. After competing, over 60% of the youth expressed they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, cut identification, meats judging terminology, and giving reasons than prior to the contest.
Six Jasper County 4-H members competed: Faith Calvin, Avilla 4-H; Brooke Stevens, Mt. Moriah 4-H; Grant Egger, Lincoln 4-H; Jack Anibal, Lincoln 4-H; Jake Thorn, Lincoln 4-H; and Austin Pope, Mt. Moriah 4-H.
The 2022 contest included two age divisions: Junior for ages 8 – 13 and Senior for ages 14 – 18. In the junior age division, Jasper County was the third place overall team. Faith Calvin was the fourth place overall individual. Additionally, Jack Anibal was recognized as a Top Ten 8-10-year-old individual.
In the senior division, Austin Pope was the fifth place overall individual.
Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Company, FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.
Please click the link to find out more information about the Missouri 4-H Meats Judging program.
About 4-H
More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
